Why can’t you Christians be more like your Christ?

There are no Christian bumper stickers on my car. I don’t have a fish emblem that proves I am a card carrying member of the Christian society. I don’t even have scripture plaques decorating my house. I am not against these things. I just don’t choose to profess my faith in that manner. Okay, wait… I am not being truthful here. The real reason I don’t have a Christian bumper sticker is because I know I am always teetering on an outburst of road rage that will be less than Christ-like when and if I react. I don’t have scripture plaques on my walls because when I yell out in frustration at my kids I don’t want to be constantly reminded that my walls read, “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord”. The real reason for my anti-display of Christianity is I don’t want to be caught in my hypocrisy.

Now if you are reading this as a Christ believer than you might get a chuckle at this but if you are reading this as an unbeliever than you probably are shaking your head in agreement. After all, how many Christians do you know who don’t practice what they preach? Someone recently commented on one of my posts and asked the question, “Why can’t your Christians be more like your Christ?” It was a good question and one I don’t have an answer to. It is kind of sad actually that there are people who only view Christianity through the actions and character of its members and don’t go to the actual source. However, maybe we as Christians have been wrong in how we have sometimes proclaimed our faith.

I might be more willing to put a fish emblem on my car if the fish looked worn and weary and far from perfect. I also might display a scripture plaque on my wall if it read, “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord but please Lord forgive the parents you have put in charge when they are impatient, grouchy and forget to trust in You.” Have we as Christians set ourselves up as perfectionists instead of sinners saved only by the grace of God? Have we forgotten to be real and honest about the struggles we face?

You can’t control how people view you but you can control the message. I use to feel I needed to lead the perfect Christian life. Maybe, perhaps I did tote around an imaginary member card and acted as if I was a part of some moral elite society. However, I realized that I don’t take offense to that question that was posed to me because frankly, I don’t act like Christ. It is impossible to act like Christ because I am a sinner. Christ didn’t come to this earth to create perfect people. He came so we might have an abundant life. Not a perfect life but a life lived in the comfort of a God who shows mercy and redemption for all our pain and struggles when we submit to Him.

I am a Christian and I don’t act like Jesus Christ but I love Christ and strive to serve and obey him. That is the answer in a nutshell. I am so unworthy of His love but He said in His word that those that believe in His name shall be saved. I believe. I am not perfect but I am loved by God. That’s all I need and there is no bumper sticker in this world that will be able to prove it to anyone but I am okay with that.

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2 responses to Why can’t you Christians be more like your Christ?

I needed this, this morning, beautifully written my dear Sister! Brings tears to my eyes for my friends who judge me by those who’ve misused the “label”of Christian and tears for the truth of what you bring across…So glad for your voice in this world!

Amen! Our message is the perfect Christ of the Cross, not ourselves. On my best day, I fail miserably, but I know the One who has never failed. We need to be our Savior’s sanctuary to those we meet, not a religious sermon on their condemnation… lest we forget we do the same things we judge them of. Great words here, friend. Blessings